Cost of living support
Over the last ten years the cost of living has increased significantly. If you are having difficulties due to the cost of living there is support available to you.
Contents
Maximising your income
You might be missing out on money available to you because you don’t know about it. There are a number of ways you can check if you are entitled to extra funds:
You can go to GOV.UK Check benefits and support website to check if you are missing out on benefits.
The Entitled To website has a calculator function that can advise you on what funds you should be receiving that you may not currently be getting.
Budgeting
You might be able to reduce your spending by filling in a budget plan. This may help you to see how much money you have coming in, what you have going out and what you could reduce.
You can use the free budget planner on the MoneyHelper website.
Debt
If you are in debt it is important you do not ignore it and that you seek help. There are many charity organisations that can help including:
StepChange Debt Charity. Free Expert Debt Help & Advice website
Rent
If you are struggling to pay your rent you should speak to the welfare advice team at your council who may be able to give you advice. Please also see the Discretionary Housing Payment page on GOV.UK for more information on Discretionary Housing Payments.
Council Tax
If you are struggling to pay your council tax you should speak to your council. They may be able to give you some advice and support. You may be eligible for a Council Tax reduction and can find more information on the Council Tax Reduction page on the GOV.UK website.
Food
If you find yourself in food poverty due to the cost of living you may be able to get help from a local foodbank. You can find a local food bank on the Trussell Trust website.
You may also have a local community food larder who can support you.
If you are on a low income you may be able to join a mobile food club. You can get more information on The Bread and Butter Thing website.
School Clothes
If you a struggling to buy school clothes your council may be able to help with a school uniform grant (more details are on the School uniform page on GOV.UK). In most cases your child’s school will have a provision in place. You can speak to the school reception to see if they can help.
Energy
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills you should speak to your energy provider. They may be able to offer you a reduced tariff or have a grants scheme to help with any energy debt.
If you are on a low income you may be eligible for the Warm Homes Discount Scheme, the Household Support Fund or Cold Weather Payment.
You can speak to an energy adviser at The Citizens Advice for help to apply for grants and support available to you.
Water
If you are struggling to pay your water bill you should speak to your provider. In the North West that is United Utilities. They may be able to off you a reduced tariff or access o a one off payment to clear your bill. You should visit the United Utilities Financial Support website.
Broadband
If you are on certain benefits you may be entitled to a reduced cost broadband service through their social tariff. Visit the Social tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages on the Ofcom website for more information.